News

IRONMAN France: Welcoming Summer in the Cote d’Azur

Frederick van Lierde is back to defend his title, while Mary Beth Ellis arrives as the prohibitive favorite at IRONMAN France this weekend.

By Kevin Mackinnon

For over 30 years Nice, France has been hosting some of the world’s premier triathletes – first for the Nice International event, and for the last nine years IRONMAN France-Nice. The Cote d’Azur was one of the world’s first resort areas. In the 1800s it became a popular vacation spot for Europe’s aristocracy and has remained one of the most beautiful and popular resort areas in the world. Nice is the largest city along this spectacular coastline and has been hosting a world-class triathlon since the early 80s.

The day begins with a two-loop swim (2.4 km and 1.4 km) from the Plage du Centenaire in the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. One of the most spectacular bike courses in IRONMAN racing follows, with a course that goes through 17 mountain towns. Athletes love the Tour de France-like atmosphere, complete with 1,800 meters of climbing. The run goes along the famous Promenade des Anglais – the out-and-back course includes four loops along the famous waterfront.

Ellis’ Race to Lose

Mary Beth Ellis, who has won almost every IRONMAN she’s competed in (her fifth in Kona last year remains the only non-win on her resume), will take on a small field of women in Sunday’s race. France’s Jeanne Collonge will certainly work hard to keep the title in French hands, while Lucie Reed will no doubt lead the way out of the water and push the American early on.

Three in a row for Freddie?

Belgium’s Frederick Van Lierde will once again compete in Nice with a big target on his back. After dethroning Spain’s Marcel Zamora in 2011 (who had won the race five years in a row), Van Lierde has dominated this event and returns in the hunt for a third straight title. Fellow Belgian Bart Aernouts, Swiss IRONMAN champ Mathias Hecht and Spain’s Clemente Alonso-Mckernan appear to be the most likely challengers for the title, but all will have their work cut out for them over the mountainous bike course and flat, hot run that suits Van Lierde so well.

Join us Sunday for live text and video updates, or to track your athlete. Or, join the conversation at #IMFrance.